Just as the Thousand Sword Pavilion's sword formation teetered on the brink and its defensive line was about to collapse, an unexpected change erupted.
A black-clad assassin had been hiding among the ordinary rebel soldiers all along, his aura suppressed until he seemed no different from a stone. Seizing the instant when Elder Lie Feng was occupied by two enemy experts, he darted from the shadows like a phantom. The ink-black Iron-Backed Bow in his hands was already drawn to its limit, a dark blue Armor-Piercing Arrow resting on its string, clearly coated in deadly poison.
His target was not any of the Thousand Sword Pavilion disciples, but Huo Yuci, who was being closely guarded at the heart of the formation!
The arrow left the string without a sound, yet flew as fast as lightning, straight toward Huo Yuci's heart. Its timing, angle, and viciousness were all honed to perfection. This was plainly a long-planned strike, intended to kill in one blow and utterly shatter Chen Jin's mental defenses.
"Yuci-!!" Chen Jin's five senses sharpened to their utmost at the threshold of life and death. Although he could not fully make out the arrow, the icy killing intent aimed at his beloved wife pierced his mind as though it were tangible. He let out a heart-rending roar, and his body, exhausted from prolonged fighting, erupted with unimaginable strength and speed!
He had no time to think. Acting entirely on instinct, he spun sharply and shielded Huo Yuci behind him, using his own flesh and blood to block the poisoned arrow!
Thuck!
The dull sound of a sharp weapon piercing flesh set teeth on edge. Carrying terrifying force, the dark blue arrow punched straight through Chen Jin beneath his right ribs! Its tip even protruded an inch from his back, bringing